This picture has been a long time comming. I've always loved the Metal Gear games, infact I think they are the best games created. And Metal Gear Solid 3 is definitely my favorite. The story is just marvelous and the most romantic of all of them.

Just the idea of this infamous war hero, who is though as nails, And the Manliest man EVER, but still has this boyishness to him. Alot of brawn, a little brain, and a whole lot of heart, it's just not as easy to see.

Just the idea that the whole Metal Gear series was caused by pretty much one woman, and the love and admiration people had for her, The Boss. I just adore the relationship Boss and Big Boss shared. She was his mentor and he admired her like a mother, and also yearned for her like a lover. It's such a beautiful and complicated mix that proves to be strengths and weaknesses to both of them. And it's my favorite part of the Metal Gear series.

So, while playing MGS4, and hearing more about Big Boss, after hearing them refer to Big Boss as a "Messiah" type character, it made me think of this picture. I dunno exactly what meaning I'm trying to show in this picture. Specially since it's imaging has nothing to do with the facts of the story.

I sapose it's showing The Boss as the Mother of this whole story, and Big boss as the sort of young hero and both of their sacrifice and how deep their relationship is. I also gave Snake his wound to show the idea of The Boss being the one who owned his heart and really has control over him. And the idea of sorrow, but necessity in either of their deaths, if it had to come to that.

I guess I was just looking to do an epic picture, and who better to rip off than Michelangelo, specially such a sculpture as his Pieta (Jesus and Mary) Original Sculpture: [link]

This took me so long, it's probably my most extensive 2D piece. I'm quite proud of it I must say.

John (a.k.a Naked Snake/Big Boss) never saw The Boss as a lover. It... went deeper than that. They lived and died together as one being for 10 years (prior to MGS3). He even states half of him belongs to her in MGS3.

Wonderful and touching picture. And it's very interesting to read your thoughts about the scene. You thought that trough very thoroughly.

And the MGS series is definitely one of the best series I've played so far. A complex and interesting story with unique characters like Solid Snake, Big Boss or The Boss. Everyone with their own ideals to fight for what they believe is right.

Just finished playing the game again and now that I have seen this it has just made my day!I love how emotional the piece is and how it explains the relationship of the Boss and Big boss.You my friend are a legend for this.

He shot her in the face with her own gun. In the end of MGS3. Her death by his hands... It was his mission and he completed it. "One must die, and one must live. No victory, no defeat. It is our destiny..." The Boss said this to him approximately 15 minutes prior to her death.

I also adore The Boss and Big Boss along with their complex and deep connection/relationship. Her story and connection to Naked Snake was the main element that attracted me to MGS3 in the first place (and eventually Peace Walker too, even though I'm a fan of the MGS series in general).

I agree with you on every level - MGS4 was a masterpiece technically but MGS3 had the best story. I can't believe I never made that connection between the Boss and Mary or Naked Snake and Jesus, but you totally nailed the comparison. The concept by itself is awesome, but then you completed the idea and made your concept a beautiful piece of digital art. Even the setting is epic and actually flows with a possible path of the story (had the Boss defeated Snake). Big congrats to you for making this amazing piece - it is one of the best I have ever seen on this site!

I second you in thinking MGS is the greatest game series in the world. haha It will always be my most cherished memory of the video game world. And MGS3 took the cake. It was nothing short of gorgeous in both, story-line and playability. MY best friend Jay and I both got and beat the game around the same amount of time. He called me up over the phone after the credits rolled to ask If I saluted her too at the end of the game. To which I responded "yes." We both bawled our eyes out and we both saluted at the credits. *tear* This is a beautiful piece. I love it and it totally rips my heart out at the same time.

Oh my gosh why haven't I see that sooner?This is definitely one of the most epic, emotional and perfect portasyed character picture of MGS3.Amazing art.I have no words for this because it's more than stunning.I'd love to add this to my The Boss-group if you don't mind.I'd love to support your art getting more attention.Really, it's awesome!

A very moving piece. This is wonderful, both in art technique, and the ideas behind it. this isnt just a fan tribute, You've really hit on the underlying emotions of the game, and I commend you for it.